TheGoalNet

3 hours ago, ZeroGravitas said:

The shims will create more space rather than eliminate space.

Exactly. I have wicked "Bauer" bumps, but the liner adjusted for me just fine. There was a thought we might need a second back with the shims. Didn't need it

On 7/22/2022 at 4:49 AM, Subsicto said:

What are the toe sleeves exactly? Some kind of sock? I've seen them mentioned in forums a few times. Some sites have them listed but without any info

I just want to make sure my local shop do everything properly when I get my pair, with the process being so radically different to normal skates

Bauer sends a kit, I believe each box will have the toe sleeves and all the pads for punch out assistance.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgaqAXYray-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Strapping and Knee Block Comparison

New video formats... Snack Size

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CgVlRsRrqCP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Size & Shape Comparison

19 hours ago, ThatCarGuy said:

From my understanding OD1N was simply a sample product sold at retail without correcting any issues. Konekt has had numerous interations and improvements. Even compared to the retail sample pair they made them much more comfortable and a little lighter weight.

I will be the first person to admit that Bauer will probably get a ton of Market feedback and Konekt 2 might be a big upgrade over Konekt 1 in 2-3 years? This is so bleeding edge, I am sure something got over looked or left on the cutting room floor? I don't see the need for it, but the idea to adjust the ankle flex is a cool concept, and would appeal to consumers. Could a carbon fiber outsole over molded on the plastic create better energy transfer? Who knows! will be fun to see!!!

With that disclaimer said so Netminder does pick on me in 2 years, haha, Konekt is a very complete product. It's market ready.

 I have seen many of the different prototypes in photos and I think development goes back over 2 years? This is way different than OD1N. Bauer is also using products already proven aka Atomic ski boots. With OD1N, Bauer was completely in uncharted territory with the over molding of a single skin vs cut n sew.

4 hours ago, netminder said:

Is that a fact?  So a wide foot depresses the mold more leaving little to NO inner padding now? How is that better then a regular goal skate fitting with uniform padding throughout. You need to room to make room, its a parallel spacing issue if you have a "one size" MUST fit all boot.

The shell is thermomoldable too. Like @ThatCarGuy the retailers should be coached in all sorts tricks to widen the toe box of the outer shell.

Skates also come with a pack of pad things  to help stretch the boot

8 hours ago, SaveByRichter35 said:

I assume that means there are no baking restrictions on these then?  Most skates these days are, what, only 3-4 bakes recommended?

you can bake these and skate with them as soon as they cool too, not 24 hour period like traditional skates.

Thoughts on Konekt so far...

The ankle flex is a game changer. This probably the most innovation and instantly beneficial piece of gear I have used since TGN started. The comfort in through the roof also, I have had zero foot pain, hot spots, etc. I cannot imagine going back to regular skates.

T pushes, butterfly slides while already down, and out of RVH are the key places I really feel the ankle flex. I feel like my edges catch the ice a second sooner and my movement feels way more organic. It's one of those "issues" I didn't know I had until it was "fixed".

On 7/6/2022 at 7:03 PM, RichMan said:

Seems like a lot of recreational brands have been using the hinge system for a while. We just haven't been paying attention is all.

I should probably copy and past this response...

It's not a novel concept. Dates back to the 80s with Micron skates. Just due to goalies needing more flex and a spike in the joint injuries, they brought back the technology. The materials are also way better and it feels high end in use.

So I have seen some "negative" comments around Mach.

Some around the stiffness of the knee block and some on sliding. I have 3 skates on these so far, here's my quick take.

Sliding - Bauer updated the skin with Mach vs US. New skin is supposed to have increased durability, no yellowing on white based pads, and better sliding. For my money, I can say sliding is definitely different. You can tell it's changed. I think the new skin is probably faster on a hard push. On medium or light push, it's probably slides slower. I would say the US skin was a more consistent slide all the time. I would say the Mach skin is a more organic slide slide? You get some extra zip when you most need it, but you won't over slide when you don't. It's not better or worse. Some people will want the US style sliding and some will favor Mach.

Stabilislede / Calf Support System - For any concerns it's too stiff and doesn't respond well enough in the RVH, is not "wrong", but that's why Bauer has Stabiliflex. That is a custom option on Mach and standard on Hyperlite. If anyone is concerns with that, it means you're using the wrong product... not that Mach is a bad design. Don't buy Mach just because it's new. Figure out what you need for your game...

Do I think Murray will work in TO? I'd say it's a 50/50 chance at best?

But I don't get why everyone is "so mad" about it? TO's goalie budget is like $500k, haha. If they cannot afford Campbell and they don't have a stud that is in RFA mode, they are going to have to get lucky AF in goal. They were lucky Campbell took a step forward in TO and could be a starter. He was a borderline NHL backup before he got to TO.

With the salary obtained by OTT, Murray's cap hit is 4.5m next season? What other goalie are they getting for that price. It's not Kuemper.

Murray's stats in OTT were solid pre-inury, Elkin has worked with Murray for a decade or longer, the coaching staff and GM have faith in him. Murray won 2x cups in Pittsburgh. No one else has the pedigree for $4.5m. Maybe with the right support structure around him this works?

I am not saying it's a great move, but TO is in cap hell. When you are in cap hell, it's hard to make a great move. Why TO made this move makes complete sense.

Also, stats people don't really value goalies. Murray, Binnington, Keumper, etc back up that you can win a cup with a deep team and not a Vezina caliber goalie. That is TO's play here.

1 hour ago, MTH said:

I get through all 6 episodes over the past few days.

Real review (yeah it's been out for a while already - f off):

• Do you guys really call the ice cream cones "sticks"? 

 

 

 Drum Stick, not any ice cream cone! Drum Stick  aka  Stick

I don't personally call them that, but it fits in the show and that's where they get stick from.

10 hours ago, Desert Tendy said:

Top of the ankle I experienced a ton of pain when I flexed and it was either too tight or too lose.  I imagine once it’s baked it will get better but not sure if I want to chance it for $1k.  

The shell and the liner are thermoformable. Yes, they are NOT going to feel right out of the box. You have to trust the process and get them baked. They come with a kit that enables the shop to deal with any potential pain points in like 20 different ways.

On 7/4/2022 at 10:35 AM, A.YOUNGoalie13 said:

@TheGoalNet did you notice when putting them on that the top strap-thing is very hard to pull? When I put them on I needed my friend to do it I couldn’t reach the thing across

Sort of? But the other way, but it's all tied to tension. It's hard to clip. I clip it half way, then clip it.

Bauer's pro rep recommended trying to keep the one all the way buckled.

On 7/4/2022 at 11:59 PM, Pl99 said:

I’m very curious to hear the reviews on these.  I’m in a pair of original custom VH skates that are nearing end of life. My previous Bauer 2012 Pros were the most uncomfortable skate I’ve ever owned. 
 

Are you able to adjust the hinge flex on these?  If so, how?

Is there an msrp yet?

 

There is not a dial to adjust the flex profile. Lots of people have asked me about this. I do NOT see the purpose of it after using the skates. It only flexes when your ankle flexes and it's not like floppy. Anyone interested in this skate should not skip it over that concern.

With that said, I know people like stiffness profiles, so maybe it's an update to a future version of Konekt?

On 6/22/2022 at 7:27 PM, RedX said:

As I sit and watch the Memorial Cup with both goalies playing in Mach graphics. Both goalies are actually using mis-match of older models with new graphics. 2S blocker, 2X pads, Hyperlite, Ultrasonic  etc. obviously this isn’t uncommon, but I’m a little surprised teenagers are already at the point of “sticking with what works.” 

I’m also glad to know that I’m not alone in thinking the 2X outer leg wrap with the large Velcro option was the best version Bauer has made. 

That said, I have yet to see a goalie at the NHL/AhL/ CHL adopt the new Tune Fit connect strapping on the their pads.

Which makes me ask the users of the pads, how is the new strapping been?

 

On 6/22/2022 at 10:04 PM, RecoveringGoalie1 said:

Personally I'm a big fan of the new strapping. It's a better version of the professor strap imo, and holds the pad a bit higher on your leg without causing you to feel detached from it. It's also the first set of pads I've felt comfortable strapping the knee block to the calf wrap.

 

@maxtm30 beautiful set! Very similar to my 2nd choice design

I think this is Bauer's best strapping by a mile. This is the best Bauer strappng I have worn once and not felt the need to tinker with.

Pro's generally don't change gear midseason. I would suspect a lot of CHL goalies will move to the knew strapping this summer. Same with switching from US to MACH. If someone likes a Vapor glove, they will probably always have a Vapor glove mixed in with a Supreme set though

On 7/1/2022 at 10:57 AM, Punisher Goalie said:

@TheGoalNet Sorry if you already provided it and I missed, but can you please post the weight of the complete skate (understanding you have upgraded steel in them)?

Not around them at the moment to weigh, but for memory, they are about 20 g heavier than the ultrasonic I think? 
 

they are a tad heavier, but it’s not a major step backwards 

On 6/30/2022 at 2:55 PM, goalieThreeOne said:

I'm assuming these are like ski boots, where you can twist the strap to shorten or lengthen the silver piston to fine tune the length and therefore the tightness?

 

With them only using two straps, are there any concerns about tightness in the lower foot?

Yes, twist for micro adjustments 

Bottom of my foot feels secure 

11 hours ago, netminder said:

Put a cowling on it and call it a day:

This type of skate tech with hinge and bootie has been around for decades

No one is arguing that. There were previously goalie skates shown in my last pic that had this concept and Bauer openly acknowledges they were the inspiration 

All of the good new boot technology comes from the ski industry, not roller blades. Skiing is a way bigger market and that is why the development comes from there.

The materials are also 1,000 times better than when the Micron goalie skates were in their heyday. Like with many innovations, the concept is not wrong... it's the available technology to execute the design and the market readiness are a big factor in something sticking.

Palm Pilot was cool, but it was too early and the average consumer market was not ready for it. iPhone was a hit because it was way easy for anyone to use, the technology was better, and the marker was more ready for it.

Konekt is the modern smart phone. Micron plastic skates are a Palm Pilot. 

9 hours ago, A.YOUNGoalie13 said:

Pulse ss is ass

Pretty much this... I had better steel at home from US skates, so why not use it?

4 hours ago, jerd31 said:

There's a goalie on reddit that's been tinkering with ski boot style buckles for skates and I have been testing them- pretty much mimicking the buckle system on the Konekts, just without the hinge system.

 

 

I was looking forward to the Konekts, but at $1k, they're in custom skate territory.

Bauer has gone away from custom with Konekt, even the pros are using stock socks. With the fact the liner and the shell are heat moldable and how much they can move, Bauer does not believe custom is required anymore.

54 minutes ago, WizYuan said:

Does the insole sit inside the liner? I wear custom orthotics so I need the insoles removable...

How does heat molding work too? Just the liner? No skate?

yes, insole is inside the liner

shell and liner are both heat moldable

8 minutes ago, coopaloop1234 said:

$1,225 CAD. A whopping $300 more expensive than an Ultrasonic skate. 

I get that this is a new build and there's some R&D to recoup, and that the main consumer market is either guys at the top level and/or guys wanting the best of the best, but wow that's steep.

I would also suggest updating the steel… 

On 6/1/2022 at 10:58 AM, netminder said:

You havent worn the inline skate above before then. And Bauer can say its a Tesla inspired boot too, doesnt make it accurate. Its called marketing. 

Bauer literally worked with Atomic to learn about the latest materials they currently use in their ski boots and understand what would and would not translate to hockey.

Also, the Lange / Micron skates of the 80s and the rollerblades of the early 90s were borrowed technology from ski boots to begin with. None of this technology started in hockey or rollerblading.

Bauer wanted to created a goalie skate that enabled ankle flex. The purpose was to increase performance with catching edges and reducing injuries, ankle sprains or groin issues.

An employee at Bauer is a goalie. He still wore his like 30 year old Micron skates instead of new skates because of the flex. Bauer took his feedback as inspiration and then went out the world to see where they could get comfortable and durable boot and bootie materials. They connected with Atomic. They settled on Grilamid for the shell and Ultralon for the liner. Neither of those materials are used in Rollerblades and they are used in ski boots.

History on plastic ski boot inventor Olivieri and his idea to take plastic boots to hockey...

Sweeping Change Marks 1980s

The 1980s ushered in an era of sweeping change at the company. Although not yet affiliated with the firm, Icaro Olivieri was in many respects the orchestrator of its transformation. Born in 1940, this native of northern Italy apprenticed in his father’s tool shop during the 1950s. Olivieri’s work with hinges and springs inspired his 1964 design of an improved ski boot fastener. His buckle was quickly adopted in place of traditional laces. Without the benefit of formal training, Olivieri then invented injection molding equipment custom-made for the production of plastic ski boots. Within just a few years, the inventor’s company had captured a commanding lead in the market for boot molds and metal buckles.

After touring Warrington’s rather old-fashioned skate factory in 1975, Olivieri saw an opportunity to adapt his new technology to the hockey skate industry. The Italian founded a plant in Montreal and began churning out his Micron brand skates and Tyrol ski boots, the sleek, black plastic styling of which offered a significant challenge to Bauer’s long-standing dominance of the market. Several years of intensifying competition culminated in the 1981 merger of the two competitors under the Canadian company’s name with Olivieri as chairman. The union created Canada’s largest sporting goods firm and signaled Warrington’s strategic refocus on that sector.

https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/canstar-sports-inc